Africa changes you. Its wild places stir your soul and its people embrace your heart. Experiences during an Africa adventure stick with you long after you leave. On my third trip to this phenomenal continent in a little over a year, this was my first time in East Africa exploring Kenya and Tanzania. My Africa adventure was a solo journey beginning on my birthday in Kenya followed by the heart of this trip – trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa. Post trek was filled with time in remote safari camps including the endless Serengeti. Final stop was R&R on the white sands of Zanzibar. Except for the trek, this was a solo travel Africa adventure. Here’s how it unfolded.
Kenya: Leopards, Rhinos, and a Nairobi Adventure
I landed in Nairobi on my birthday without my bags, which always throws a kink in travel, but with my excitement fully intact. My first night was at the elegant JW Marriott Nairobi before heading to Laikipia Wilderness Camp for two nights for a wild safari arranged by Doug MacDonald’s Safaris.
Laikipia is prime leopard territory, and it’s home to Giza, a stunning black leopard. I stayed in Tent 6 with its lovely porch and open-air bathroom—perfect for soaking in the sounds of the African night. Both evenings, we spotted Giza hunting and even witnessed leopards mating, an incredibly rare sight.
Wildlife sightings also included elephants, giraffes, hippos, dik-diks, and two puff adders during a walking safari. On the way back to Nairobi, I stopped at Ol Pejeta Conservancy to feed Baraka, a blind rhino and the first rhino born at the conservancy. I stood on the equator and saw even more wildlife before wrapping up my Kenya visit with a morning at Nairobi National Park in a 1978 Land Cruiser and a heart-melting stop at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants during milk time.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: Reaching the Roof of Africa
The centerpiece of this Africa adventure was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. On July 14th, at 6:57 a.m., I stood at 19,340 feet on the summit of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
I trekked the Lemosho Route for seven days and six nights with Dr. Jon’s Adventures. Our group bonded quickly—so much so that the porters thought we had known each other for years. The guides, Peter, Farida, Barack, and Freddy, along with Junior and Rambo (two of our incredible team of 40+ porters), helped me push through summit night when wind chills hit -19° to -26°F.
Highlights included watching a full moon during the ascent, facing my fear of heights on the Barranco Wall, and earning the nickname “Mama Simba” for my wild hair and sheer determination. The descent of over 9,000 feet on summit day alone was brutal, but rewarding as we finished in the most magical rainforest I’ve ever experienced.
Lake Natron: Remote Beauty and Massai Culture
Post-Kili recovery took me to Golden Sky Safaris Twiga Camp near Lake Natron, a region most tourists skip. I stayed in a dreamy chalet with sweeping views and was treated like royalty by the wonderful staff.
Highlights included watching giraffes “necking,” exploring the pastoral lifestyle of the Maasai people, and visiting a Maasai boma for immersive cultural experiences (yes, I even jumped and danced with them). I left inspired and curious about Maasai traditions and learned about a nonprofit empowering Maasai women.
Ngorongoro Crater: Wildlife Wonder in a Volcanic Landscape
Next stop: Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. I based at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, journeying down to the crater floor where flamingos waded, lions lounged, and elephants blocked our way on the ascent back to the rim. While the crater is busy with often 50+ vehicles at a single lion sighting, it’s still a breathtaking safari destination. Go early and plan a half day in crater instead of a full day to lesser your impact.
Serengeti: Endless Plains and Lion Cubs
The Serengeti has long been on my dream list. With my guide Justice from Adam Clements Safari Trackers, a longtime friend who arranged my adventure from Lake Natron to the Serengeti, I spent two nights at Nimali Serengeti.
A game drive revealed a pride of six lions and 16 cubs, hyenas wallowing in mud, and two tree-climbing lions. Sunsets and sunrises were magical, capped by a morning flight out of the Serengeti as hot air balloons floated over the endless plains.
Zanzibar: White Sand, Spices, and Reflection
After weeks of adventure, I slowed down on the white sands of Matemwe Beach at Hodi Hodi, a boutique beachfront property focused on sustainability and community.
I explored a nearby village and spice plantation, savoring tropical fruits and eating cinnamon bark straight from the tree. Most importantly, I had time to walk for miles along the tranquil beach, watching locals wade far out during low tide to collect seaweed and clams for a closing chapter on this Africa adventure. It was the perfect way to reflect on this life-changing trip.
